Just a quick question for the beach goers here. While driving on the beach in deep, loose sand, which gear is best to use? I normally use 4 Lo just to keep trans temps down, but I was wondering if there are any advantages to using 4 Hi.

Rob

 

Sure, use 4 HI in sand. It will definitelly shorten the life of tranny and cause overheating. When you really need the extra torque in a soft spot it will power out and leave you stuck.
You can lower tire pressure a little also to get through sand.

 

Yeah, I kinda figured as much. Reason I ask is that every time I'm out on the beach, most of the trucks that roll by don't sound like they are turning many rpm's, but are laboring pretty hard. (with the distinct smell of burning ATF soon to follow)

I usually don't have to air down, but if the traction starts to go away, that is a sure cure. Those Terra Grapplers seem to do fairly well in the loose stuff.

Rob

 

Just lower the tire pressure and take it easy. 4lo and keep the momentum up.

 

I would put in 4 low and drive in 3rd or 4th if needed. If you are in 4 hi and run out of power, this is where it will sink in the meantime while you're shifting, and you will end up digging out the truck.

 

Seems to me that tire pressure is almost as important as whether you are in lo or hi gear. 20-35psi on 65 or 85 psi tires definitely help. It just takes forever to air them up again.... I've found that on a 7,000 pound behemoth low air pressure is the key to success....